Why Williamson County, TN, is a Great Place to Live
This Tennessee county has it all: vibrant towns, rural beauty and much more.
With charming cities, rural beauty, top schools, major corporations, outdoor recreation and safe neighborhoods, it’s no wonder Williamson County is the fastest-growing county in Tennessee and one of the most livable counties in the nation.
“There’s no ‘best choice’ in Williamson County,” says Jordan Vaughn. “Each community — Franklin, Brentwood, Fairview, Nolensville, Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station and Leiper’s Fork — has its own amenities and personality.”
Vaughn should know. He’s the principal broker at RE/MAX Fine Homes and has been selling properties in the region for over a decade, and has lived in two Williamson County communities.
“People who want to experience the small-town feel can do that while still having opportunities to work for a global company located in the neighboring community.”
Jordan Vaughn, principal broker at RE/MAX Fine Homes
Williamson County offers a winning combination of affordability, career opportunities, quality education options, standout recreation opportunities, and easy access to the arts and entertainment destinations in the thriving Nashville metro area.
It is a community with something to suit every lifestyle, from the energy and vibe of a revitalized downtown to suburban areas with strong appeal to families and distinctive rural communities with business districts that offer unique shops and restaurants.
“Even though our communities each have their own unique features, they are interconnected,” Vaughn says. “People may work in Nolensville or Franklin but live in Spring Hill or Thompson’s Station. That’s part of what makes Williamson County so special. People who want to experience the small-town feel can do that while still having opportunities to work for a global company located in the neighboring community.”
The world’s most recognized brands, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, Tractor Supply and Mars Petcare, have headquarters operations in Williamson County, along with a wealth of Fortune 1000 and large public companies.
Plenty of New Developments
The county offers high-density walkable neighborhoods, traditional suburban communities and rural living opportunities for residential living. Communities such as Nolensville, Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station are experiencing tremendous growth.
Southern Land Co. is developing a largescale master-planned community in Nolensville that will transform property at the southwest corner of McFarlin and Fly roads into a pedestrian-friendly, amenity-rich residential community.
“Nolensville is a thriving community in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties, and we know people want to live there,” says Tim Downey, SLC founder and CEO. “It is within close proximity to so much of what makes Middle Tennessee special, and it is truly special in its own right. We are going to introduce a gorgeous new master-planned community to help meet the housing need and offer a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.”
SLC has developed master-planned communities elsewhere, but Downey says the Nolensville project is specific to that community.
“We don’t do carbon-copy projects,” he says. “The new master-planned community is designed in a way to encourage neighborly connections. There will be a variety of resort-inspired amenities, approximately 160 acres of open space and parks, and a village with restaurants and retail.”
Top Schools
While significant developments and other amenities make Williamson County so desirable, Vaughn says the number one attraction remains the school system.
“Our award-winning schools bring people to Williamson County,” he says. “Clients relocating to the region for a job in Davidson County want to live in Williamson County because of the school systems and education programs.”
Williamson County Schools is consistently ranked as one of the top districts in Tennessee. Three of the 10 top high schools on U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools in Tennessee — Brentwood, Ravenwood and Franklin — are in Williamson County. The county also offers a wealth of highly regarded private schools.
“But it’s not just that one family; it’s often a multigenerational move,” Vaughn says. “The executive moves here for a job, and the family chooses Williamson County for the education program and other amenities. Then, the grandparents follow to be near the family because of the access to shopping, recreation and outdoor activities. It’s a whole life circle because Williamson County has so much to offer.”
It’s about quality of life, Vaughn says.
“Williamson County figured out the education piece early, understanding that attracts families,” he says. “The county and our cities have figured out the rest of the pieces and done a great job creating a quality of life that people want to experience. They find it here.”
Want to know more?
To learn more about the Williamson County area, check out the latest edition of Livability Williamson County, TN.
